Abstract: A system comprising a series of at least two benthic microbial fuel cells (BMFC), wherein each BMFC comprises an anode electrically connected to a cathode, and wherein for each BMFC there is a first and second comparator configured to monitor BMFC voltage to determine if the voltage falls below one of two present thresholds. The output of the first comparator is electrically connected to the BMFC via a switch and the output of the second comparator is electrically connected to a pulse width monitor (PWM) block via a switch. A DC/DC converter is electrically coupled to each BMFC and configured to transfer energy stored in each BMFC to a battery, wherein the DC/DC converter is driven by the PWM block.

Abstract: A system comprising a series of at least two benthic microbial fuel cells (BMFC), wherein each BMFC comprises an anode electrically connected to a cathode, and wherein for each BMFC there is a first and second comparator configured to monitor BMFC voltage to determine if the voltage falls below one of two present thresholds. The output of the first comparator is electrically connected to the BMFC via a switch and the output of the second comparator is electrically connected to a pulse width monitor (PWM) block via a switch. A DC/DC converter is electrically coupled to each BMFC and configured to transfer energy stored in each BMFC to a battery, wherein the DC/DC converter is driven by the PWM block.

Abstract: A system for burying fabric cloth in marine sediment includes a sled having first and second ends and a partially open bottom surface proximate to the second end. A fabric deployer is coupled to and extended from the sled adjacent to the second end. A sediment disruption device resides opposite the fabric deployer and faces the first end. The fabric deployer is a tubular structure having a slot therein extending lengthwise along the tubular structure facing away from the first end. A fabric cloth is disposed on an axle within the tubular structure so a distal end of the cloth protrudes from the slot. An electronics package is releaseably secured adjacent to the second end by a release mechanism and to the end of the cloth by a tether. A cathode may be connected to the electronics package, forming, with a buried fabric cloth anode, a microbial fuel cell.